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GOP senators investigating federal response to violent pro-Hamas protests in Washington

GOP senators investigating federal response to violent pro-Hamas protests in Washington


This article was originally published on Washington Times - World. You can read the original article HERE

Senate Republicans have launched probes into the Biden-Harris administration’s response to the pro-Hamas mob that ravaged iconic monuments near the U.S. Capitol during the Israeli prime minister’s visit last month.

Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, is investigating the National Park Service’s response to the riotous protests that included clashes with police and pro-Hamas graffiti scrawled on monuments and the burning of federally owned U.S. flags.

In a letter to the park service’s director, Mr. Cruz demanded answers about the “Biden-Harris administration’s failure to deploy adequate resources to prevent” the protest.



“Despite extensively damaging property, assaulting U.S. Park Police officers, and blocking a major thoroughfare and access to a critical transit hub, their appalling and criminal actions went largely unchecked. This should never have been allowed to happen,” he said.

He said the park service was given advance notice of the 5,000-person protest sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Israel on July 24. Despite the notice, only 29 officers were sent to monitor the protest, which turned violent at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station.

The Department of the Interior said it had no comment. The Washington Times reached out to the U.S. Park Service.

Besides the flag set on fire outside of Union Station, the Christopher Columbus fountain and Liberty Bell reproduction were spray painted with various antisemitic and pro-Hamas messages such as “Hamas is coming,” “Free Gaza,” “All zionists are bastards,” and “Free Palestine.”

Mr. Cruz blasted the Park Service, saying Capitol Police did its job of providing briefings for other police agencies, and praised Amtrak Police, who were responsible for Union Station and took the precaution to “quintuple” its police presence.

“The insufficient resources deployed by NPS, despite advance notice of the massive protest and the propensity of pro-Hamas demonstrations to turn violent, was negligent,” he said. “Even with every USPP officer in the D.C. area deployed, the many other demands on that force left far too few men and women available for a major protest that could turn violent, and the Park Police union is not aware of any effort to get additional officers.”

He also requested information about what the Park Service knew about the plans of the ANSWER Coalition, the anti-Israel group that requested the permit to protest. He also asked for details about the precautions taken and the number of officers for the Columbus Circle protests, along with any coordination with other law enforcement agencies. He requested the Park Service turn over body-camera footage, reports done after the protest, and its plans to stop future incidents.

Mr. Cruz isn’t the only Republican lawmaker looking for answers about federal agencies’ response to the mayhem.

Sen. John Barrasso, Wyoming Republican, sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland demanding an accounting of the violence and vandalism in the nation’s capital.

“Your failure to act decisively jeopardizes the safety of federal personnel and diminishes public trust in DOI’s ability to uphold the rule of law,” Mr. Barrasso wrote. “The American people deserve to know that their federal lands and the personnel who protect them will not suffer neglect or unnecessary endangerment.”

He said the July protest is “especially concerning” because he has written letters before to the Department of Interior urging them to help with the recruitment and retention rate of the U.S. Park Police.

“Your failure to act decisively jeopardizes the safety of federal personnel and diminishes public trust in DOI’s ability to uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He demanded responses to questions of accountability and coordination, support for federal personnel, strengthening security and changes to policy and protocols.

This article was originally published by Washington Times - World. We only curate news from sources that align with the core values of our intended conservative audience. If you like the news you read here we encourage you to utilize the original sources for even more great news and opinions you can trust!

Read Original Article HERE



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